Published by Johnny on November 02, 2011
I’ve just spent the last few days in Pai, Northern Thailand. A place I’ve never been to before despite living 100km away in Chiang Mai for over a year, criminal I know. Anyway, I had clearly been missing out – this place should be right near the top of the list for places people need to visit in Thailand, it’s really that good.
 How to get to Pai:
Pai is 3 hours from Chiang Mai, so the best way is to take a mini-van from Chiang Mai’s arcade bus station ($5). You can take the local bus if you’re feel like slumming it too (5 hours+, $3) OR better yet, you can rent a bike in Chiang Mai and drive – it’s an awesome sweeping, windy road for the whole 130km. Beautiful. Also, with so many guesthouse (over 350!) you can find some awesome last minute deals, so you don’t have to break the bank either.
 3 hours, $5 from Chiang Mai to Pai Things to see and do in Pai:
Pai is a great place to lie in a hammock and chill, enjoy the cooler mountain temperatures, go for a dip in a pool somewhere. It’s really cheap too, around half the price of Bangkok. All that being said, there are still a few cool things to fill 2 or 3 days here so have a look at the following:
The Memorial Bridge: Not quite as impressive as Kancanaburi’s River Kwai Bridge but worth a look none-the-less. Built by the Japanese during WWII, it offers some great photo ops and the river it crosses is gorgeous.
Tha Pai Hot Springs: My personal favourite. The hot springs can be quite tricky to find, so listen up and how to get to the Pai hot springs. Take a motorbike or bicycle and drive 8km south east out of Pai, towards the sunset-view restaurant. Cross the bridge when you leave the town, and keep going straight straight straight until you see the signs, 7km away. Then basque in the roasting hot water (40 degrees Celsius+) with the pools at the top reaching 80 degrees!! Hot enough to boil an egg, needless to say, you’re not allowed in those ones!
 80 degree hot spring (celsius!) Pai Canyon: AWESOME place for sunset. It’s not quite the Grand Canyon but it’s beautiful all the same, Thai health in safety is in full force here too, I’ve there is none so be careful of the 50m drops on each side of the narrow path around :S
 Chinese Village: Feature heavily in guidebooks etc but not all that interesting, a fake chinese settlement built where Chinese (Yunnanese) settled here a 100 years ago or so. If you want kitsch chines epics but figure China is too far to venture to, here’s your place
Waterfalls: Thailand is jam packed full of the things, so if you haven’t od’ed on watefalls already, check out the two best in the area – Pam Bok waterfall and Mae Ya waterfall.
 Pam Bok Waterfall pai  Mae Ya Waterfall How to get around Pai:
There are 3 options really, rent a bicycle ($3 per day), rent a scooter (starting at a ridiculously cheap $3 per day) or go on a tour to see everything (day tours start around $15-$20). Personally, I jump on a scooter all the time, everywhere I go. In fact it’s normally the first thing I do after getting off the bus or train, straight to a scooter rental place. It saves you a fortune, it’s fun, you’re free and you can see everything at your own pace.
I’m delighted to have finally made it to Pai, years of avoiding it because I had heard of it being full of wannabe hippies turned out to be wasted, better late than never though. Get your asses there asap. Happy travels!
Tags: Chiang Mai, City Guide
Published by Johnny on August 06, 2011
Another Awesome Thai Festival:
I’ve waxed lyrical about the Thai festival ‘Song Kran’ on my site countless times before, but Loi Krathing is another festival that should demand your attendance too. Less chaotic and fast paced than Song Kran, Loi Krathong is a more spiritual calmer, more serene event.
Loi Krathong is a nationwide Thai festival celebrated in the evening of the full moon in the 12th month according to Thai Lunar calendar (November 10th for 2011, November 28th for 2012). The meaning of the word ‘Loi’ is to float and ‘Krathong’ is an item made out of a section of the trunk of banana tree. The banana leaves are folded and decorated with candles, flowers and incense sticks and a coin of low value is offered to the river spirits, ‘Mae Nam’ – the float is then sent down a river, off into the distance amongst the thousands of other Krathongs.
 2 Krathongs This festival is big news in Thailand and there’s a real buzz around the cities during the time. Corporations and government offices participate in this festival, there are huge firework competitions, and annual beauty contests (‘Nopphamat Queen Contests’) offer a great view!
Planning to be a part of this festival this year? Learn something more about this awesome Thai festival.
Loy Krathong the celebration of love
According to the legend it is believed that the consort of ‘King Ramkhamhaeng’ named Nang Nopamas was the first to make an offering of Krathong in the name of ‘Mae Nam’. She had floated the offering in a canal so that it would float past the King whom she loved. Even today it is believed that a love affair would last for a life time if one offers Krathong to the water God.
Loy Krathong in Bangkok
Although this day is not an official holiday, it is the most romantic and spritual festival in Thailand and is celebrated all over the country. In Bangkok the festival is celebrated on the banks of ‘Chao Phraya River’. It is also celebrated in large restaurants with indoor pools but you’ll need to book these restaurants in advance to enjoy a sure-fire romantic winner with your new beau here. Never miss the Loy Krathong celebration in Bangkok with lots of celebration, love, cruises and dinners.
 Loy Krathong in Bangkok Celebration at Sukhothai: You can also visit Sukhothai which is the birthplace of this grand festival. ‘Phao Thian Len Fi’ in Sukhothai is all decked up in grand fashion. Here you can also enjoy betel-nut floating called ‘Phanom Mak’ and floral offering named ‘Phanom Dok Mai’ The people over there enjoy a light and sound show every year, free entry and it’s a sight to behold.
 Loy Krathong in Sukhothai Celebration at Chiang Mai: Loy Krathong continues for nearly a week in Chiang Mai and it’s my favourite place to celebrate Loi Krathong. The roads virtually close dow, with stage shows taking over all over town. There are beauty contents where the contestants along with their krathong has a chance of winning the coveted ‘Miss Nopamas’ title. There is a huge procession that starts at Tapae Gate and it ends at the river bank. Chiang Mai is hugely popular for Loi Krathong so if you want to join the party try to book your accommodation in advance, this place fills up fast!
 Loy Krathong on Chiang Mai's Ping River *A top tip for Loi Krathong in Chaing Mai: Check out Mae Jo university outside the city for the most amazing communual release of candle lanterns into the night sky – one of the most beautiful things I have ever, ever seen.
 Loy Krathong at Mae Jo Univeristy, Chiang Mai Celebration at Ayutthaya and Tak: Loy Krathong is also celebrated grandly in Ayutthaya the former captial, where you can enjoy a boat race and in ‘Tak’ along the ‘Ping River’. As the night falls, the party starts and the whisky can start flowing quite quickly. The tourists and local citizens float their own decorated krathong and enjoy the grand celebration together.
 Loy Krathong in Ayuttahaya Mark it in your calenders guys – this festival could prove to be a highlight of your whole trip, if you’re in the area around the time of Loi Krathong, do your best to make it to one of these hotspots for a magical experience. Happy Travels!
* If you’re looking for luxury accommodation, Home Rentals is a good way to go.
Tags: ayutthaya, bangkok, Chiang Mai, festivals, religion, Thailand
Published by Johnny on April 19, 2011
I’ve been in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand for the last week or so to celebrate Song Kran, or Thai New Year. I think I can safely say that:
a) Chiang Mai is probably the best place in the whole world
b) Song Kran is the greatest festival know to mankind
Basically, from the 13th – 15th of April each year, the Thais celebrate their new year (this is 2554 in Thailand). To celebrate, Thai people used to gently sprinkle water, that had previously ran over a Buddha statue, over their elders. This would symbolically wash the bad away, bring good luck and welcome the new year. Well, the premise is still the same but the gentle pouring of water has been replaced by a mass 3 day water fight in the sun, with plenty of alcohol thrown into the mix for good measure. The result is an entire city smiling from morning until night, lots of blessings, too many hangovers and then an eagerness to do it all again the next day. Now tell me that doesn’t knock the socks off our New Year?!
 Song Kran in Chiang Mai Song Kran is celebrated across the whole of Thailand with particular big events in Bangkok and Hat Yai however nothing comes close to Chiang Mai. With a moat surrounding the entire old city, Chiang Mai has an endless supply of water to douse visitors and locals alike. Thanks to this supply then, the crowds around the moat normally sit 5 or 6 people deep, everything having the time of their lives, celebrating with friends and generally loving life. I hate to say this as an Irish man but this beats the hell out of St Patricks too.
Health and safety is something that the Thais aren’t overly concerned with (maybe due to their belief in reincarnation or maybe because they don’t sue each other every time they fall over) so be prepared for carnage here. If you’ve never driven a motorbike or scooter before, Song Kran is not the time to learn… you will be driving with a face full of ice water, and then probably lying in a heap beside your bike, still with a face full of ice water. Keep your wallet, passport and phone in wetbags or, even better, in your hostel. Give your liver plenty of preparation time and don’t plan to party for 3 or 4 days after, you won’t feel like it, I assure you. These 3 or 4 days could define your trip in Thailand, or Asia or even your entire backpacking jaunt, it’s that good.
Song Kran 2011 was my second Song Kran, having lived in Chiang Mai in 2007 it’s been a while since my first experience. I was almost preparing myself to be disappointed, readying myself to realize that my memories had recreated Song Kran in too bright a light, I always tell myself never to ‘chase your memories’ (if you had an awesome time, appreciate it, close the chapter and move on) but Song Kran is different. So was Song Kran 2011 as good as Song Kran 2007? Every bit, it lived up to and exceeded all my expectations so that’s why I feel no fear in recommending so highly to you guys. Mark April 2012 in your diaries right now, because you should be here next year – it may well be the best experience of your life, until you do it again in 2013 that is. Sawat Di Pi Mai (“Happy new year” in Thai) and Happy Travels!
Tags: Chiang Mai, festivals, Thailand
Published by Johnny on March 27, 2010
So I ended up getting interviewed about my time teaching English in Thailand, I thought I would whack the questions, answers and link to the website. There are many more FAQ about teaching English on my blog
Check out the link the interview by clicking HERE
Johnny Ward, Thailand English Teacher
How long did you teach English in Thailand?
I first arrived in Thailand in February 2007 and left around May 2008 but my first month or so was taken up by studying my CELTA diploma, I was employed almost immediately after completing that so I taught for around 15 months in Thailand in total Continue reading “Teaching English in Thailand Interview: My Experiences” »
Tags: CELTA, Chiang Mai, Interview, Media, money, TEFL, Thailand
Published by Johnny on March 18, 2010
This is the one place where I feel fully qualified to chat about and having spent over 18 months here I can truly say I love this city! It’s the first place outside Europe I could really consider ‘home’ and I could really see myself settle here for a while in the not-to-distant future. If you are in Thailand – I really recommend you spend at least a few days here, you can’t help but love it 
I’m going to imagine you are going to Chiang Mai for a few days and you want to know the coolest things to see and do whilst keeping it as cheap as possible (sound about right?  )
THINGS TO SEE AND DO
TEMPLES – You can’t be in a Thai city without visiting some temples (or ‘Wat’ in Thai). There are literally hundreds but I would say there are 2 that you shouldn’t miss… Continue reading “Chiang Mai — Travel Guide” »
Tags: Backpacking, Chiang Mai, City Guide, Thailand, travel guide
Published by Johnny on March 15, 2010
I was trying to think of the best way to run through my time in Thailand on my blog, I was in and around Chiang Mai for the best part of 18 months and it truly was one of the best times of my life; I think I’m going to talk about the lifestyle I led, the way the teaching worked, and generally discuss the ups and downs as my life as an English Teacher in Thailand, and then deal with all the extra trips, funny stories and crazy shenanigans later…
 Teaching English in Chiang Mai, Thailand Afterwards, I talk about Chiang Mai as a backpacking destination because that’s a blog in itself :S and what an amazing place it has proven to be to live, I miss it every single day!
Ok, so I finished my CELTA qualification and had became very good friends with the only other ‘young’ person on the course, Max. I actually had a provisional contract with English First (good organisation btw) for a job in China but I reneged on the contract to try to carve out a living in Chiang Mai after falling in love with the place so Max and I decided to try to get a job together in a decent school, find an apartment and live the dream.. Continue reading “My Time Teaching English In Chiang Mai, Thailand” »
Tags: Chiang Mai, teaching english, TEFL, Thailand
Published by Johnny on February 25, 2010
From my courageous stint in medical research I could finally afford to fly the coup once more. This is how my life as a serial backpacker actually began….
Came out of the hospital, but didn’t want to face the real world and I wanted to travel but I still wasn’t exactly rolling in it with $2000 in my current account and $5000 in savings from working through uni, an awesome mother etc. I went online and started googling – “how can i travel with very little money”, “travelling on a genuine shoestring”, “working and travelling” yadda yadda yadda. Aside from being inundated with pleas to pay 5 grand for the privilege of volunteering for 2 weeks in some far flung country I wasn’t making much progress. Then I stumbled across CELTA.
I’ll explain the mechanics, logistics, tips and tricks etc behind a CELTA diploma in my ‘Travel Tips’ subsection but I’ll give a brief run down here for the sake of my story. It’s basically a diploma from Cambridge Uni (the REAL Cambridge Uni believe it or not) that you study intense, i mean intensely intense, for one month and combined with your degree you can then teach pretty much anywhere in the world
CELTA’s can be taught anywhere so I signed up for my course which was being run in Chiang Mai, Thailand – i had never even heard of Chiang Mai by this point :S, and bought a one way ticket to Thailand. Wham, bam, thank you mam and I was outta there. From looking on the net aimlessly on how to travel and earn to applying for my course probably spanned across about 24 hours but i figured the more i think about how crazy it is the more likely i am to pull out, so i booked the course and my flight and all my money was gone again, but spent very wisely.
*IMPORTANT MESSAGE/DISCLAIMER: I feel as if i should add that at this point my plan was honestly to fly to Thailand to study my CELTA, take a one year contract teaching English in China, then fly back to the UK to pursue my career in finance aided by my new found ability in Chinese. So, 3 and a half years, 40 countries, 3 broken cameras, 2 lost ipods and and a host of amazing experiences later I’m still on the move with no plans to stop. What I mean to say is, if you are planning to do something similar a CELTA abroad be prepared to never be able to return to the same life, same mentality and same banality ever again :S
 Tags: CELTA, Chiang Mai, teaching english, TEFL, Thailand
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How to get to Pai:
Chinese Village: Feature heavily in guidebooks etc but not all that interesting, a fake chinese settlement built where Chinese (Yunnanese) settled here a 100 years ago or so. If you want kitsch chines epics but figure China is too far to venture to, here’s your place
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